Hawera show success a bonus for Showgrounds

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The Egmont A & P Show remains one of the most popular days on the South Taranaki calendar and gate takings last year were almost double that of the previous year.

The November show success was celebrated by president Wayne Bigham at the association's annual meeting last week.

He said the good weather and the fact it was the 130th year of the Hawera show had driven up visitor numbers.

Takings totalled $40,340, up more than $17,000 on 2012. "We were lucky enough to get two fine days in 2013, no mean feat in Taranaki at that time of year," he said.

The rise in gate sales income was reflected in a healthy surplus for the show, which made $37,313 for the association in 2013. Its coffers were also boosted last year from a $94,800 donation from the TSB Community Trust.

The money was used to reroof the western side of the TSB stadium, replace three roller doors and install some lighting.

"Our showgrounds are a magnificent facility and have become well utilised by many user groups.

"These have helped to increase our profile within our community and attract visitors to South Taranaki," Bigham said.